Harrowing Plane Crash Out at Shelter Cove Yesterday Captured on Video

Residents and tourists in Shelter Cove were horrified yesterday afternoon to see a small plane crash in the ocean off the small coastal town at about 12:38.

One visitor, Grant Prather, managed to capture footage of the plane’s descent into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Prather told us he heard the plane’s engine sputtering a few times before it seemed to stabilize. But then the engine sputtered again and the plane landed belly down in the water.

He said he saw the occupants scramble out on the wing. Then, about five minutes later, the plane began to sink nose first into the ocean and the occupants began the difficult attempt to swim to shore.

When word reached Shelter Cove Fire of the plane down in the ocean, their Duty Officer rushed to the scene. According to a Facebook post from the Department, Upon arrival, he saw the sinking plane located about 200 yards offshore and two victims struggling in the waters of Little Black Sands Beach.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Shelter Cove Duty Officer swiftly relayed the updated information to incoming units. The female occupant of the plane then managed to reach the beach. Meanwhile, the officer wasted no time, quickly changing into a wetsuit and paddling out in the treacherous waters there with a paddleboard to aid the second patient.

According to Shelter Cove Fire’s post, they launched two jet ski’s, Ocean Rescue Ski 1 & 2, along with an amphibious rescue boat, to provide additional assistance. Fortunately, Ski 1 and the rescue swimmer reached the second victim, the pilot, just as he began to be in trouble. They retrieved the pilot from the ocean and transferred him to the rescue boat for immediate assessment and safe transport back to the marina.

Both survivors were subsequently flown to local hospitals in stable condition, albeit both were hypothermic. The swift response and coordinated efforts of all emergency services involved played a crucial role in ensuring the victims’ timely rescue and medical attention.

Shelter Cove Fire expressed gratitude to the witnesses who promptly dialed 911, enabling the rescue operation to commence without delay. The agency also extended its appreciation to its emergency services partners, including USCG Sector Humboldt Bay, HCSO, Cal Fire, BLM Fire, and City Ambulance, for their invaluable support throughout the incident.

As investigations into the cause of the plane crash are still ongoing, authorities will attempt to determine the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the survivors and their families during this challenging time.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by emergency services in safeguarding lives and the importance of swift and coordinated action in times of crisis.

Please consider donating to Shelter Cove Fire Department at

SHELTER COVE FIRE
9126 Shelter Cove Road
Whitethorn, CA 95589

Or donate to your local fire department.

Earlier: Plane Crashed at Shelter Cove into the Water